Food stylists  are required to create beautiful dishes that can hold up for several hours on and off set, not to mention withstand hot, harsh lighting conditions.

To create the effect of grill marks on food, some stylists use metal skewers heated over an open flame, while others prefer to use an electric charcoal starter.  The electric starter makes a wider mark and minimizes your chances of burning yourself.

Having a food stylist to work with is a great asset, since they are artists in their own right and very knowledgeable in how to make the food look more appetizing.  They are an integral part to making a photo shoot successful.  The photographer captures the story, the food and prop stylists are the artists who create the story.  It is a team effort.

To find a food stylist in your area, look to various organizations such as the Association of Stylists and Coordinators (www.stylistsasc.com)